The Last Laugh

The Last Laugh is a tribute to three of Britain’s greatest comedic legends, Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse. This show premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe last year with great acclaim and is a delightful mix of nostalgia and British bravado. 

The production offers light-hearted entertainment and moments of reflection as the iconic characters dive head first into their careers and remind audiences of the mark they left on British comedy.

The show opens with Tommy Cooper (Damian Williams) lounging around in his dressing room preparing for what would be, unknown to him, his last-ever public performance. With a cluttered work surface packed solid with all his iconic tricks, Damian Williams does a really good job at showcasing the character’s absurdity through his dry witted humour and over the top awkward mannerisms. Williams takes this role whole heartedly and runs with it. Cooper, the first one on the whisky and popping pills like they are Tic Tac’s paves the way as the cracks surface and the piece takes an unexpected turn. 

Eric Morecambe (Bob Golding) bursts through the dressing room doors with infectious energy, charm and slapstick antics. Golding’s quick wit is beautifully executed, evoking the spirit of Morecambe's legendary partnership with Ernie Wise. His impeccable comic timing brings back the joy of the duo’s sketch shows and musical interludes provide some nostalgic light relief for the audience.  Golding is the perfect link between the characters, keeping the story moving and the energy high. 

Finally, Bob Monkhouse (Simon Cartwright) has captured all of the iconic mannerisms and is a spitting image of the comedian. He does well at keeping the characters grounded, never shying away from his sharp wit and tongue in cheek back catalogue of material, of which he is very proud and not afraid to tell you about it. Monkhouse is the last piece of the puzzle and nothing is off the cards as the trio battle to outdo each other, fighting wholeheartedly for that last laugh.

The set is perfect for the piece and is a great backdrop for the production. It is just how you’d imagine it to be and provides the perfect space for the characters to do what they do best, entertain! Although incredibly funny, the show doesn’t just focus on the belly laughs, it touches on the tragedy of Cooper’s sudden death on stage, providing a brief but poignant moment of reflection on the fragility of his life and career. The trio works well together, giving us a glimpse into the ‘old school show business’ we know and love. It also serves as a reminder that these comedic icons were not merely jokesters; they were men with complex lives and vulnerabilities that they often hid behind.

For fans of classic British comedy, The Last Laugh offers an enjoyable and moving trip down memory lane. Great British comedy at its very best and they certainly don’t make them like this anymore.

This show was reviewed on the 26th February 2025 at the Noel Coward Theatre, London where it runs until the 22nd March 2025. The show then embarks on a UK tour from June 2025.  Tickets and tour dates available here: Home | The Last Laugh

Review written by Sam Sadler

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Photo credit : Pamela Raith

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